Obama imposes sanctions on 7 Russians after Crimea vote

Mar. 17, 2014
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Pro-Russian Crimeans wave Russian flags as they gather to celebrate in Simferopol's Lenin Square on March 16, 2014 after exit polls showed that about 93 percent of voters in Ukraine's Crimea region supported union with Russia. Crimeans voted overwhelmingly to join former political master Russia as tensions soared in the east of the splintered ex-Soviet nation amid the worst East-West crisis since the Cold War. / DIMITAR DILKOFF AFP/Getty Images

by Aamer Madhani, USATODAY

by Aamer Madhani, USATODAY

WASHINGTON - President Obama announced Monday that he is leveling new sanctions against seven Russian officials the White House says have contributed to the crisis in Ukraine.

Obama announced the sanctions one day after the Crimean region of Ukraine voted overwhelmingly to join Russia in a referendum that the U.S. and western allies vowed not to recognize.

In comments at the White House to formally announce the sanctions, Obama said he believes there is still a diplomatic solution to end the crisis. At the same time, he warned that if Russia continues to interfere with Ukraine's sovereignty he stands ready to push for even tougher sanctions.

"We are imposing sanctions on specific individuals for undermining the sovereignty, territorial integrity and government of Ukraine," Obama said."We are making it clear that there are consequences for their actions."

Surkov and Glazyev are presidential advisers to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The five others hold various positions in the Russian parliament and Russian government.

The punitive measure -- which will almost certainly heighten tensions between U.S. and Russia -- does not target Putin directly.

The sanctions focus on the individual personal assets, but not companies that the officials may manage on behalf of the Russian state. Any assets that the individuals have in U.S. jurisdiction have been frozen and Americans are prohibited from doing business with them.

In addition, the Treasury Department announced it is imposing sanctions against former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, former Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Viktor Medvedchuk as well as Crimea-based separatist leaders Sergey Aksyonov and Vladimir Konstantinov. Those officials were being targeted under an executive order that Obama signed earlier this month.

"The United States also will seek to hold accountable individuals who use their resources or influence to support or act on behalf of senior Russian government officials," the White House said in a statement. "We recognize that the Russian leadership derives significant support from, and takes action through, individuals who do not themselves serve in any official capacity.

Republican lawmakers offered a mix reaction to Obama's announcement.

"Putin has engineered this confrontation," said Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. We should show him and his accomplices that they will pay a heavy price if they don't respect Ukraine's sovereignty. The stronger card that needs to be played is breaking Putin's energy grip on Ukraine and eastern Europe."

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who has criticized Obama's handling of the Ukraine crisis, took to Twitter to slam Obama again.

The White House announcement came after the European Union announced on Monday travel bans and asset freezes on 21 people for their involvement in the Ukraine crisis. The EU is not expected to announce the individuals who are being cited until Tuesday, but Obama administration officials believe there is some overlap in the U.S. and EU lists.

Putin is expected to speak on the Crimea situation in a special address to the Russian parliament on Tuesday.

Obama spoke by phone on Sunday with Putin and reiterated that the United States would not accept the results of the referendum. He again called on Putin to support a diplomatic solution to the crisis, while underscoring that one cannot be reached if Russian troops continue to be deployed in Crimea.

Vice President Biden will visit Poland and Lithuania next week, where he is to huddle with leaders in the region on the Ukraine crisis. Obama will travel to the Netherlands next week to take part in the biennial Nuclear Security Summit, but the situation in Ukraine will be the main focus on the sidelines of the summit.

"If Russia continues to interfere in Ukraine, we stand ready to impose further sanctions," Obama said.

White House spokesman Jay Carney declined to say what further steps would be taken if Russia refuses to change course, or whether Obama was considering targeting Putin directly.